Atec Agilent-N8972A_N8973A_N8974A_N8975A - Manual

10 MHz to 1.5 GHz, 3 GHz, 6.7 GHz and 26.5 GHz Noise Figure Analyzers
Noise Figure Analyzers
N8972A
N8973A
N8974A
N8975A
NFA Series
A Flexible and Intuitive User Interface
The user interface on the new NFA series of Noise Figure Analyzers
is intuitive and easy to use, with easy to find keys, which are sized
and then placed in the relevant key group according to function. The
soft-key depths have been kept to a minimum and there are clear
visual indicators on the screen showing the current machine state.
Easy Measurement Setup
The NFA series of Noise Figure Analyzers now takes the pain out of
complex measurement setups, with their simple but instructive
menus. The built-in help button gives key function and remote pro-
gramming commands, that should eliminate the need to carry man-
uals when setting up measurements.
Low Instrumentation Uncertainty
When making noise figure measurements, a key parameter to be
aware of is measurement uncertainty. The NFA has a low instru-
mentation uncertainty to aid in accurate and repeatable measure-
ment of manufacturers’ components. In addition, to aid customers
in setting their components/systems specifications, Agilent has pro-
duced a web-based uncertainty calculator that will give customers
information on how to improve and classify their measurement
specifications more accurately.
For more information, visit our web site at: www.agilent.com/find/nf
Increase Measurement Throughput
In manufacturing environments, fast measurement speed and
repeatability are critical. The NFA series of Noise Figure Analyzers
now include many features that can reduce your measurement time
and increase throughput. The frequency list function allows you to
select specific points within a complete measurement span to make
your measurement. The Sweep averaging function allows a real-time
update to the screen during a measurement, as you adjust the per-
formance of the DUT during a sweep. Both these functions, as well
as the limit line functionality for quick and easy pass/fail testing and
the additional ability to recall complete calibrated instrument
states, increase productivity and measurement throughput.
Enhanced Connectivity
The built-in floppy disk drive, GPIB, RS232 serial and Printer port
connectors allow quick and easy data transfer between the analyzer
and a PC or workstation. There is also a built-in VGA connector for
connecting a large-screen monitor.
Color Graphical Display
To enhance usability, the new Noise Figure Analyzers now come
with an integrated 17 cm full color LCD display, for simultaneous
viewing of noise figure and gain against frequency. There are three
different formats for viewing measurements, the two separate chan-
nel or combined graph format, a table format, and a spot frequency
noise figure and gain measurement “meter” format.
Ease of Automation
The NFA series of Noise Figure Analyzers include 2 industry-stan-
dard GPIB ports and an RS232 serial port, to aid in the automated
control of the instrument. The second GPIB port is dedicated to
Local oscillator control. The default control language is SCPI, but
users can also define custom LO commands.
Ease of Integration
To aid with the integration of the new analyzer into manufacturing
environments, Agilent has produced a Programmers Reference
Manual containing example programs to help migrate to the new
system. The NFA is not code compatible with the 8970B, nor can it
control the 8971C.
Full Measurement Capability
Features present in all NFA series noise figure analyzers
• ENR data automatically loaded into NFA series noise figure
analyzer when using SNS noise source
• Floppy disk loading and saving of ENR data when used with a
346 or 347 noise source
• Enhanced analysis through Limit lines and Marker functions
• Enhanced PC and printer connectivity and VGA output
• Internal data storage capable of storing up to 30 different state,
trace, and setup files (dependent upon measurement complexity)
• 4 MHz measurement bandwidth
• Frequency list mode, which enables the user to avoid known,
polluted frequencies during a measurement or, used tactically
to speed up a measurement
Features only Available on the N8973A, N8974A, N8975A
• Lower noise figure measurement uncertainty ±<0.05 dB
• Six user selectable bandwidths (100 KHz, 200 KHz, 400 KHz,
1 MHz, 2 MHz, and 4 MHz)
• Enhanced speed
• A flexible and intuitive user interface
• Easy measurement setup
• Low instrument uncertainty
• Color graphical display of noise figure and gain versus frequency
• Enhanced PC and printer connectivity
• SNS, 346 and 347 Series noise source compatible
• Ability to automatically upload ENR calibration data from SNS
Series noise source
• Local oscillator control through second dedicated GP-IB
• 3-year warranty as standard
N8973A